Tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident feature and method of forming same

Abstract

A tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident features which includes a cover portion defining a outwardly extending peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge, a hinge joining the outwardly extending peripheral flange with the base portion and an engagement mechanism for maintaining the peripheral flange adjacent to the upper peripheral edge when the container is closed. The upper peripheral edge includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion that is configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed. The hinge includes a frangible section, which upon severing, provides a projection that extends out beyond the base portion for facilitating the disengagement of the engagement mechanism and removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] The subject application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 065,681, filed Feb. 24, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,680, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 895,687 filed Jul. 21, 2004, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 489,093 filed Jul. 21, 2003, the disclosure of each being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The subject invention is directed to containers and packaging, and more particularly, to containers and packaging that incorporate tamper-resistant and tamper-evident features. [0004] 2. Background of the Related Art [0005] Disposable containers for packaging, distributing, displaying or otherwise housing consumer items, especially perishable foods, are becoming increasingly important. Historically, perishable products had to be brought t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a tamper-resistant container with a tamper-evident feature that includes a cover portion and a base portion with an upper peripheral edge. The cover portion has an outwardly extending peripheral flange that is relatively inaccessible when the container is closed. The container also includes an engagement mechanism that maintains the flange and the upper peripheral edge when the container is closed. The engagement mechanism can be non-permanent and facilitate reattachment of the cover portion and base portion. The container also includes supporting ribs that help resist separation when the container is closed. The technical effects of the invention include improved tamper-resisting and tamper-evident features, as well as improved security and reattachment capabilities."

Problems solved by technology

Historically, perishable products had to be brought to market and sold quickly before exposure to the atmosphere caused the products to lose their freshness.

Typically, plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid and base, although they may be subject to some amount of flexure.

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